Spinach and Artichoke Pasta Salad
A creamy, cheesy, and slightly tangy pasta salad packed with fresh spinach, marinated artichokes, and a luscious parmesan dressing.
Ingredients
- 12 oz bowtie or rotini pasta because fancy shapes hold more dressing
- 2 cups fresh spinach chopped (let’s pretend this makes it a salad)
- 1 cup marinated artichokes drained and chopped (briny goodness)
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes halved (because color matters)
- ¼ cup red onion finely sliced (for a little bite)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese fixes everything
- ¼ cup mayonnaise because creamy is the goal
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt a slightly healthier excuse
- 2 tbsp olive oil because good fats exist
- 1 tbsp lemon juice for brightness
- 1 clove garlic minced (because bland food is unacceptable)
- ½ tsp salt season like you mean it
- ½ tsp black pepper just enough kick
- ½ tsp dried oregano for that Italian touch
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and let it cool.
- Chop the spinach, artichokes, and red onion into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the dressing until evenly coated.
- Add the chopped spinach, artichokes, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and parmesan to the bowl.
- Mix everything well, ensuring each bite gets coated in creamy, cheesy goodness.
- Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors blend (if you have the patience).
- Serve chilled or at room temperature and watch it disappear.
Notes
Nutritional Values (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
Vitamins & Minerals (Per Serving)
- Vitamin A: 20%
- Folate: 15%
- Calcium: 18%
- Iron: 10%
- Vitamin C: 12%
Additional Notes & Tips
- Want extra protein? Add grilled chicken.
- Swap Greek yogurt for sour cream if you like a tangier bite.
- Crumbled feta makes a great parmesan alternative.
- Let it chill for a few hours for even better flavor.
- Serve with toasted bread if you really want to live your best life.